While many have and some will continue to argue the specifics of the legal case, the reopening marks the remarkable return of the 1954 golden arbor screen sculpture by Harry Bertoia. The 70-foot screen along with a second Bertoia sculpture – a mobile representing a cloud, again occupy the space and provide separation between customer and employee areas.

The return of the Bertoia screen and mobile remind us of the importance of art in public spaces and the need to preserve that collaboration of physical space and art. As Docomomo US president Theodore Prudon writes in his article Art, Architecture and Public Space in New York, 1950-1970 in the Docomomo Journal 42 (Summer 2010), there was a great deal of fine art incorporated in corporate and public space in New York City. While much of that art can be still be found in and around Fifth Avenue, some have already disappeared including the Josef Albers mural entitled Manhattan from the former PanAm Building (now Metlife Building).

Noting the importance of the Bertoia screen and its restoration, a short film[4] has been created about the restoration by Steven Sebring[5] with help from Harry Bertoia’s son Val Bertoia[6].

For more images of 510 Fifth and the Bertoia sculptures, visit our Facebook[7] page.